By Michael Lynch

Updated6 October 2017 — 8:02pmfirst published at 10:34am

The war of words is intensifying and the bad blood is bubbling just below the surface as Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat labelled his Sydney FC counterpart Graham Arnold guilty of "archaic" thinking that is holding the game back on the eve of the grand-final rematch at Etihad Stadium.

The pair, former Socceroos teammates and long-time rival A-League coaches, have been trading caustic comments for a week over the fact Victory will be missing three key players through international commitments for their season opener against the team that beat them on penalties in last year's title decider.

Muscat has been highly critical of the FFA for scheduling A-League fixtures during international match windows – hardly surprising as he will be without James Troisi, Socceroos captain Mark Milligan and Kiwi international Kosta Barbarouses on Saturday night.

Arnold had little sympathy earlier this week, effectively saying Muscat only had himself to blame for signing players who might be missing: the Sydney boss said he made a point of not signing players likely to be called away for Olyroo or senior international duties.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is furious his side will be missing three players due to the international window.

Photo: AAP

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Muscat said on Friday such attitudes were stopping the A-League developing and becoming a better competition.

"I've thought about it, I'm always thinking about progression because comments like [Arnold's] with the window, and the fact that it's not being pushed for, are archaic comments, really, that has held the game back and will continue to hold the game where it is at the moment.

"We won't progress if we continue making such comments. Making comments, or not supporting in my view, stopping football in the international window ... [is] archaic and has held the game back. Continual comments like it will keep the game where it is," the Victory coach said.

"What he actually said was he's got no sympathy [for Muscat's plight]. I don't recall asking for any ... nor will I. The fact that he actually tried to sign a couple of players that are here maybe tells a different story."

One of those players was former Socceroo Rhys Williams, whose international career has been stymied by injuries. He was linked with Sydney last season when he was unsettled at Perth Glory.

He is fit now and will make his starting debut for Victory after crossing from Glory in the off-season. Argentinian midfielder Matias Sanchez is also likely to be given his first run in a Victory shirt in Milligan's absence, while another new foreigner, Leroy George, is not fit enough and will probably be used off the bench.

"Rhys has not missed a minute of pre-season and Matias has joined us and trained very well," Muscat said. "He has a decent base. Leroy as well but he joined us a bit later. He hasn't got anywhere near as much conditioning as he would have liked, but I am sure he will feature at some stage. But he is an exciting player we will see the best of in a few weeks time.

"There might be a slight reshuffle in structural areas based on those boys. There is good, healthy competition for places and everyone's going to be needed throughout the campaign.

Mitch Austin, who generated headlines this week for walking out of a live TV interview due to a panic attack, is available, Muscat said.

"Mitch is fine. It wasn't pleasant but first and foremost it was about his health and wellbeing and he's fine. He's trained all week. His teammates have gathered around him, given him a little bit of stick as well. But he's taken it really well and I'm just pleased that he's OK."

The fact this game is a grand-final rematch holds no special significance, Muscat said.

"You can go back to the last game or how far do you want to go back. they have always been big encounters. It certainly can't come quick enough for us," he said.

"A playing group that's gone through 14-odd weeks of pre-season, working tirelessly, they can't wait to get out there tomorrow night.

"There's nothing that's going to derail the mindset of the group in terms of the team that we have put together. There's a hell of a lot of experience and we have freshened them up with some younger players wanting to start their careers – so there's a great deal of energy from that perspective. "

Muscat was relieved that Milligan came through the Socceroos draw with Syria unscathed despite being on the end of some heavy tackles. He was bemused by the way the penalty was given to Syria to let them draw level.

Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.